Medium : Watercolor

I guess many of us would perceive the image of Jesus based on what was portrayed on screen or on social media. Perhaps we may even have our favorite versions based on good looks. I really have no idea how the real Jesus looked like on earth. I had several images in my mind of a smiling Jesus last year. In this painting, I want to do just that.
 
His beaming face intrigued me the most in those visions. I have not seen an anxious look ever. Jesus is always smiling. That makes my heart leap! It is a smile I will look forward to.
 
I heard this gospel song spontaneously just before I started drawing. “Because He (Jesus) lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. And because I know, I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.” Friends, I know Jesus has a message of hope for us today.
 
Yes, He lives. Our faith will be futile if Jesus is not the resurrected Lord. 1 Cor 15:17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”Rev 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.”
 
Amidst the uncertainties and hardships in life, we do need to remember that Jesus is alive and He loves us the same. He cares the most and understands us the best. He is not oblivious to our tears, sorrows, and struggles. You have a special place in His heart. He IS close to the broken-hearted, the outcast, the needy, and the lonely.
 
I had visions of Jesus during some intense times in my life while praying. I reacted like the disciples who questioned Jesus as He was fast asleep during the storm. It almost felt like He didn’t care about me. I was expecting Jesus to come to my rescue immediately and the way I wanted it to be. It felt like Jesus never get up from His deep sleep! Sure, it was tough, and seeing Him smile didn’t make sense to me. But now I understand, He is really cool. (LOL) He never leaves His post. He is the reigning King. He is not afraid of the storms. Yes, even the winds and the waves obey Him! (Mathew 8:23-27)
 
Friends, I want to encourage you to hang on there. You have prayed, you have wept, and you have done all that you know to do… Hang on to your seat belts! See how Jesus will step in and turns things around suddenly on your behalf. Do not fear the future because He is already there. Will you release your faith to Him even if it is a mustard seed? Allow Jesus to settle your case, and let Him heal your heart again.
 
May you will find exceeding comfort and strength through this prophetic artwork and word. Share with someone who will need this.
 
Mat 8:23-27
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”